Gov. Dean: Paul Hackett, Proof Our 50 State Strategy Works

[paineinthearse]

Your mandate to fight everywhere had its first test last night.

Marine Major Paul Hackett ran for Congress in a special election in the most Republican district in Ohio. Republicans vowed to "bury" him, pundits wrote him off, and the conventional wisdom asked why Democrats would even bother to put up a fight.

But then something happened. With the infrastructure of local organizers we're building in Ohio and every other state, the most Republican district in Ohio became the most competitive district in Ohio -- a district where Bush won in 2004 by a margin of two to one. We energized thousands of grassroots volunteers and small donors in Ohio and across the country. We made our stand and we fought.

No, Paul Hackett didn't get elected to Congress yesterday. But he received 48.2 percent of the vote in a district where the Democratic candidate received only half that in the last four elections.

The formula is simple. Paul Hackett didn't apologize for being a Democrat, didn't hold back from criticizing a president who has failed to lead in Iraq and at home, and took a strong Democratic message into the heart of a Republican stronghold.

This district used to be written off. Now we have a network of Democrats, independents, and sensible Republicans who are tired of the out-of-touch Republican leadership and its culture of corruption. It proves that we can compete everywhere -- if we show up and fight, and give people a real choice.

This unprecedented result shows that Americans are hungry for change. In the words of one political analyst, Hackett's performance in supposedly safe Republican district means that something is "very, very wrong" for Republicans in 2006.

That's absolutely true. It also means that something is very, very right with our democracy.

For too long, we have conceded huge pieces of this country to the Republicans. No more. When we roll up our sleeves and fight we can compete everywhere -- and we will.

We're just getting started. We have moved people and resources into 25 states so far, and we are on our way into the next 25. We're building a permanent infrastructure to organize and build the Democratic base in every single precinct in the country -- an operation that will not disappear after a single election.

This effort is unprecedented and will fundamentally change the way our party does business. But the only way to do this building the community of people who have Democracy Bonds. A Democracy Bond is a commitment to give a small amount every month to build and sustain the Democratic Party everywhere.

Thousands of people have made the commitment already and are using tools on Democrats.org to grow the community and track their progress. If you want to fight everywhere, now is the time to join the Democracy Bonds community:

http://www.democrats.org/democracybonds

Thank you for everything you do.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, www.democrats.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

http://www.democrats.org/a/party/a_50_state_strategy/

A 50 State Strategy
How Democrats can and will win in every state, every county, and every precinct.

The Democratic Party is committed to winning elections at every level in every region of the country, and we're getting started right now with a massive effort to fund organizers on the ground in every state.

The ultimate goal? An active, effective group of Democrats organized in every single precinct in the country. Here's what we're doing to get there:

The Democratic Party is hiring organizers chosen by the state parties in every state -- experienced local activists who know their communities.

We bring those organizers together for summits where they can learn from each other the best practices for getting organized to win elections.

Armed with the knowledge they've shared with each other, Democratic organizers return to the states and recruit and train leaders at the local level.

Those local leaders recruit more leaders and volunteers until every single precinct in their area has a trained, effective organization of Democrats dedicated to winning votes for Democrats.

[quiet.american]

1. Yup, I've got my bond. n/t

[ArkDem]

2. I'll feel better when we get a win.

[carnie_sf]

4. We'll get wins

Schmidt's district was almost a guaranteed loss

[Cha]

3. This is what I'm talkin' about!

And this is why I love being a DEANIAC! Cause, he's positive and has vision to go after what he wants for our Country.

Paul Hackett came very close and he thanked DFA for all the help, too.

[FreedomAngel82]

9. Don't forget

Dean is very organized and goes after what he wants 100%. This is why he's sooo perfect to be our chairman. He knows what works with grassroots and to get democrats elected everywhere. I just love him as our chair. It's about the people as democracy in this country should be!

[Jacobin]

5. Its a years long struggle and won't happen overnight

I'm proud of Dr. Dean for his work and people like Hackett who heed the call.

We'll get there....

[bearfan454]

6. Tell it like it is Dr. Dean

We DO have to fight. Fight every step of the way. Paul Hackett proved we can win if we fight. Fuck the DLC repuke lite shit. Fight !

[dhinojosa]

7. Great letter....

Absolutely lifting.

[FreedomAngel82]

8. I thought he did VERY well

It was a VERY tight race. Simply wow. They even had the republicans sending money and everything in a very safe district. I think this was a sign to come for 2006. Even if we don't win 2008 with the presidency we can at least take back the House and Senate and that to me really matters. We can hold real investigations and everything. I agree that Hackett did what was necessary. He talked about the issues that matter, had a clear message and didn't apologize for anything he said. I hope he stays here in the country and doesn't go back to Iraq.

[Raiden]

10. Paul Hackett should be the prototype "New Dem"

--Speak clearly and don't talk down to your constituency
--Fight for working class values
--Don't be afraid to speak your mind and call a spade a spade


I think that Dean recognizes what a great candidate Paul was (and hopefully will be again). I just hope the DNC decides to inject every candidate with a spine before seeking office -- it paid off for Hackett

[ibegurpard]

11. This is VERY important:

"--Speak clearly and don't talk down to your constituency
--Fight for working class values
--Don't be afraid to speak your mind and call a spade a spade"

Nowhere did you mention must be a hawk...which is the mistake some people are making from Hackett's good showing. I don't think it's going to hurt but people WILL respond to the points you make and they were the key to Hackett's close run.

[derby378]

12. Nice speech - but it's still one in the "L" column

We don't need feelgood pats on the back - we need victories.